International Students

UBC is an internationally renowned and respected institution consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. It is located in the sophisticated city of Vancouver, which, with its temperate climate and access to gorgeous natural vistas of mountains, beaches and forests, is rated the best place to live in Canada.

International students are encouraged to apply to UBC; they currently make up 20 per cent of the total student body. If from a country where English is not the first language, applicants must achieve a TOEFL score of 615 on the paper-based test, 260 on the computer-based test, or 105 on the internet-based test; or an IELTS score of 7.5 with no subsection score lower than 6.5.

The TOEFL Institution Code for University of British Columbia (UBC) is 0965.

The TOEFL Department Code for the Graduate School of Journalism is 018.

Through our International House and International Student Centre, students can meet others of the same nationality or who speak the same first language. We have many clubs and athletic facilities to meet all of your social and physical health needs.

Housing should be investigated before you arrive. Space is limited in UBC’s on-campus residences so you must apply early; see the UBC Housing website at the Department of Housing and Conferences for more information. There are also resources for finding a place to live off campus. Many of these are listed in the off-campus housing section of the International Student Handbook.

Student visas and work permits, as well as work permits for spouses, are easily available if you apply early. They are valid through all years of university and for one year post-graduation. A comprehensive pre-arrival guide can be found through the International Student Centre at http://www.international.ubc.ca/prearrival.cfm